The Police - Walking on the Moon (REACTION!)

[@btcs_41]

Stuart Copeland is an incredible drummer. The whole Police library he stands out, no question.

[@korhansoydan]

"Stuart" :))

[@m.ericwatson968]

I often listen to The Police just to hear Copeland, Andy is a great guitarist and have no complaints about Sting, good bass player but Copeland is the standout musician.

[@TheUpper9D]

Stewart Copeland's cymbal work is what stands out for me - some of the best I've ever heard. I agree with some others - their next song should be Driven to Tears. Absolutely fierce percussion by Stewart. Check out their video of Driven to Tears live at the Urgh! Music Festival. So good. I'd also suggest Bring on the Night, Bed's Too Big Without You, Synchronicity I and Spirits in the Material World. If they didn't care for Don't Stand So Close to Me, I don't think they'd like some of their other more pop-rock radio hits like King of Pain, Every Breath You Take or Wrapped Around Your Finger. The Police have some great deep cuts.

[@matts9]

Top Ten Drummers of all time - hell he inspired Neil Peart! Neil credits him for the Reggae beats he starting putting into his albums in the 80s

[@RonaldWilliams-qh7zc]

You are absolutely right about that 👍💯

[@Jay.McCarty]

Stewart Copeland is one of the greats. ...as a drummer and composer.

[@Jay.McCarty]

@stevensteele1338 Jimmy Chamberlin, Matt Cameron, Kirk Arrington and Dave Lombardo are tops for me. Oh, and Danny Carey.

[@Jay.McCarty]

@stevensteele1338 Oh yeah, I like all those guys. Been playing almost as long as you. Got my start, maybe, a year or two later. Hey, I noticed you didn't give Arrington any love. Do yourself a favor and play Metal Church Metal Church from song one and you'll hear why he's on my list. He's a few levels above most of the mid-tempo Metal drummers out there. Oh, and speaking of NIN, check out Ilan Rubin's drum cams playing with NIN. Dude plays a song I once thought was unplayable on the drums. Though I've thought that about many songs over the year. Cheers!

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

@stevensteele1982, and Neil?

[@paxonearth]

I'm a bass player, and I'm here to tell you that Sting is an absolute master of doing a LOT with as little as possible. Jeez, Louise, he understands the role of the bass so well! I really dig his playing.

[@michaelhaile6371]

Like Miles Davis, he knows the importance of when and when NOT to play a note. I feel Sting, Andy, and Stuart all have that ability. They are one of my favorite groups of all time.

[@progperljungman8218]

True!

[@Auntkekebaby]

YES!! Thank you!! That blue jazz bass. He was in that Ray Brown book. Self taught. It's the spaces. The choices. The mood. The tone. He understands that greatness isn't always about masturbating on the instrument.

[@danbardos3498]

A bass player told me once why he thought Sting was on another level. It was because his singing doesn't go along with what he's playing. Like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time times 10.

[@JDrumUK]

All three of them. I'm not sure any guitarist laid back and served the song more than Andy Summers. You don't ever hear him shredding, just serving the groove and adding a layer of atmosphere to the song.

[@stuBdoc]

This song is a study in musical minimalism -- there's hardly anything being played, but what is played is so perfect that it sounds very complete. Amazing stuff.

[@gerardodoherty9178]

Appropriately it has lots of space.

[@isellbleach6930]

REVERB GENIUS

[@EvanSchatz]

Those BOOoommm hits are like taking a moon walk. Yeah it's insane in it's musicality

[@shawnk7832]

One of the best songs ever done. It compares to Planet Caravan by Black Sabbath a SMALL AMOUNT 😂

[@barmalgran4154]

Jamaicans love The Police- The Police made Reggae mainstream and with big hits on the radio.

[@machoburgerking]

Copeland is a drumming legend. Much like Neil Peart with Rush, he was the driving force behind The Police.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

My favorite 2 drummers 🙌

[@78zappaf]

Good point. The members of Rush were huge Police fans.

[@newmennium]

Never noticed how crazy the drums are on this track...I can't follow the snare hits lol

[@jametowne]

I only know two things about the Police. Sting is the singer, and their drummer is considered one of the best of all time. Very cool to hear a bit of this

[@progperljungman8218]

Their guitarist Andy Summer's is really special as well. He's e.g. done albums with Robert Fripp of King Crimson

[@stevepetrowski5224]

Spirits in the material world is 🔥

[@vh1984ful]

Yes friend!

[@jml-rj5re]

@@vh1984ful Demolition Man, too. En fuego!

[@shannenleigh1677]

Yess. That's my #1 pick

[@descantinginsalubrious]

I love Copeland's drumming on that track.

[@Francesco1044]

Bring on the night too....

[@BasD]

Andy Summer's simple ladders and atmospheric chords make this song a classic.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

The drums are the star of this song. Stewart Copelands hi hat and cymbal work is fantastic.

[@Auntkekebaby]

His textures are SO BEAUTIFUL. Euphoric.

[@BasD]

@@Auntkekebaby Thank you, you put it much more eloquently than I did 🙂

[@Qboro66]

THE BEST that ever did it!

[@EvanSchatz]

It all comes together so beautifully

[@doubanjiang]

The drumming is what makes this song for me. Omg, that drumming.

[@yang-it-yin7002]

I believe a true test of a great band is if there sound can stand the test of time. The Police are one of those bands, if you did not know that this track was recorded nearly 45 years ago you would not believe it. The Police are a timeless band that deserves to be recognized among the greatest bands of all time.

[@Ash_Hudson]

The vibe this track sets is otherworldly. Copeland is a god - just those little flams he does at 9:23 alone are incredible, like a cherry on the cake. Lyrics are deep too, walking on the moon is basically a metaphor for that floating feeling you have when you're in love.

[@tracipaul1576]

“Every little thing she does is magic” The Police is awesome!!

[@TheDivayenta]

With video!!!!!

[@tracipaul1576]

“We are spirits in the material world”is great by The Police

[@zwerker]

This is one of my favourite songs about being in love. Being elated. "Walking back from your house, walking on the moon". That feeling when you think about him/her, even though it may be futile and won't last ("wishing my days away") it's all right, cause there is no gravity, nothing weighing your heart down in that moment.

[@LonewolfCBX]

Oh oui, tout à fait ! C'est exactement ce que j'éprouvais en revenant de rendez-vous discrets avec une jeune fille de 17 ans quand j'en avais 30, avec cette conscience d'avoir une chance irremplaçable. J'étais sur un nuage, je planais, sachant qu'elle allait encore m'appeler pour qu'on se voit quelques jours après, encore et encore. je rentrais chez moi avec cette impression de ne pas toucher le sol en marchant...

[@jackflash8218]

@@LonewolfCBX Atta boy! 👍🏼😃

[@benf1111]

I like the minimalist approach in this song. It's like they leave a lot of space in there for it to breath. The subtlety of Stewart's drumming. Just tasteful.

[@TheDivayenta]

Yup “ a lot of space”!

[@vitoy147]

Great reaction to a great song. Other greats: Message in a bottle, King of Pain, Everything she does is magic, driven to tears and wrapped around your finger

[@oliviaonthego]

add Invisible Sun to that list 😊

[@LonewolfCBX]

oui, "Wrapped..." est un véritable délice à jouer à la basse, émouvant, groovy à souhait, on peut faire pas mal de variations subtiles, le rendre funky ou mélancolique, c'est un vrai régal !

[@petsounds3612]

Stewart Copeland is one of the GOATs

[@patrickflynn1771]

Stewart Copeland is a genius.

[@guzman9373]

"Can't stand losing you" is one of my favorites from them. Upbeat song with dark lyrics, The Police signature.

[@DavidJacobsvo]

Yes. Yes. This!

[@dananewsom5483]

They might like it, but the chorus would probably hit them pretty much like the chorus in Don't Stand So Close To Me. Good song though

[@generoberts9151]

That is a banger. I think they’d love that tune. One of my favs.

[@fredshred5194]

That and Beds to big .

[@enriquevela9717]

And Bring on the Night

[@billwoods9302]

Stewart Copeland always joked that whenever fans approached him, they told him he was their second favorite drummer (behind Neil Peart.) Stewart and Neil were good friends and admired each other greatly. You can hear some of Stewart's influence on Peart during New World Man and some songs from Rush's 80's era. One thing The Police did that was amazing for their time, is carve out an incredibly distinctive sound that no one else could reproduce. All three members were virtuosos in their own right, and it was a shame that they couldn't get along better and stay together. Their catalog is small, but damn, is it timelessly inspirational. Great reaction guys!

[@naushadkabir6745]

It was great enjoying this bop with yall Can't Stand Losing You, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, King of Pain, lots of great songs

[@Molasar54]

The guitarist was Andy Summers who was with The Animals. He was a pioneer on the guitar synthesizer. His focus was on space in his playing. He played minimal notes and allowed the space to echo through. They were all excellent musicians who made serious music.

[@Auntkekebaby]

I LOVE Andy's sound. Good photographer and a great personality as well.

[@anguscrowley851]

You know a drummer is fire when they only need two snare hits in an entire song

[@zwerker]

Yes, this! One of my favourite music trivia factoids 😄

[@progperljungman8218]

Unless you count the snare rim 😁

[@Jamie_McGill]

And you absolutely remember those two snare hits!

[@Lostyron]

At that time he started messing with a bunch of Echoplex pedals after seeing Sting and Andy playing with new effect pedals, creating more texture, ahead of the curve :)

[@JspekRex]

His hi-hat action is elite

[@kimberlyn.2096]

Never heard a single person complain! This came out when I was starting high school.❤️

[@luisneiman4125]

So glad to hear you both react to this, since it's my favorite Police song. It instantly relaxes me and puts me in a good mood.

[@krisj827]

My thoughts exactly.

[@chrispyy606060606]

That snare note is actually a rim shot where the stick hits the metal rim on the snare.

[@Ash_Hudson]

I used to think that too, but a rim shot is actually a powerful snare hit where the middle of your stick hits the rim as the tip hits the centre. What you're referring to is cross sticking.

[@Auntkekebaby]

The Police never considered their music straight reggae out of respect. It's fusion of funk, jazz, reggae/ska, Middle Eastern, prog, r & b, classical...it's a mix. They're one of the most respectful bands out here. The name of the album comes from Stewart's brother. The band knows how disrespectful some of the audience can be regarding the origins of their inspiration. They've discussed this a bunch of times. They knew that certain audiences would try to prop them up as the greatest reggae artist and you can see it in the comments. Stewart continues to educate folks on music history and studying all forms of music get the truth AND to become a better musician. THAT'S why they sound so good. That's what THEY DID.

[@redfishradical]

From the minute this album dropped when I was a kid THIS has been & continues to be my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE POLICE TUNE!! This & Zenyata Mondata are my favorite albums, but this song is a vibe all unto itself! Totally rabid fan who caught them twice in the 80s…but even with all the brilliant music they went on to create…this is my jam!

[@timsterrockstar]

Sting said this is one of his favorite Police songs with a nice clean edge to the Police which is another side of them. He also said he knew he made it as an artist when he heard a window cleaner whistle the melody by him.

[@JimeLello]

Forgot how much I loved The Police

[@johnburn9164]

You need to try Driven to Tears sometime .. awesome groove.

[@holysouthpacific]

Driven to tears is so good! The live version with Robert Downey Junior is good too!

[@LonewolfCBX]

@@holysouthpacific pareil pour Darkness, que j'adore jouer à la basse !

[@sayrerowan734]

The Police were the absolute best

[@Bricklinsv1970]

One of my favorite drummers of all time!

[@bruceborneman]

Dont Stencil Close To Me!!! Lol!!! I remember listening to walking on the moon the first time at about 3 in the morning driving home from a night in Dallas and it fit so perfectly. I will never forget it. It is like the perfect late night song❤

[@gwydion56]

The bass line in this one really holds my attention in a very good way.

[@Auntkekebaby]

Iconic bass line. It's his choices, the mood set, the jazz, the spaces. Self taught using the Ray Brown bass book.

[@marie-anneguibereau7344]

Stewart Copeland is one of the best drummers. both powerful and subtle. a real treat for the ears. He is now a composer and a super cool and kind guy.

[@firstbornunicorn1545]

"bring on the night" is another awesome track from these guys

[@alexbelous8289]

Glad you liked this song. Definetely a gem. Bring on the Night, Bed's too Big without You, and Shadows in the Rain may be up your alley if you like this jam.

[@sydhamelin1265]

Great reaction! It's a subtle song, so a lot of people might not vibe with it at first, great to see both of you really jump into this. The Police have a good handful of songs that have this kind of other-worldly sound, and I think Andy Summers guitar really helps with this vibe. They're a perfect 3 piece band, in that they all bring 1/3rd of the bands sound to the table, exactly. You couldn't replace a single one of them.

[@gm9162]

The Police. Definitely one of the best British groups of the 70's and 80's. True musicians at work.

[@steved1135]

I've been a fan since I was 12 in 1983, and to this day The Police are still my alltime favourite band. With apologies to Rush, this is the greatest trio of all time. Just. So. Good.

[@Max_Flashheart]

Such a great love song - I have felt this whilst listening to this song in period lol it brings me right back to that moment. Ah what memories....

[@JeffMartinEquinox]

This whole album is great - probably the 2nd best of the 5 they released. I just got to see Sting in concert in September and he is still playing these songs (including this one). Great stuff.

[@chopperdeath]

That snare sound is a rim shot, when he bangs the side of the stick on the counter hoop of the snare.

[@Auntkekebaby]

This has been my jam for decades!! The spaces they created is defying gravity. A man floating home from seeing his love. I cloud 9. I'm the biggest Stew fan of all but it's NOT just the drumming. It's the collective work and amazing songwriting. Walking on the moon indeed. Jazzy, spacey, blue bass, infinity texture by Andy Summers, sick drumming. This is the result of 3 guys who studied Ray Brown, Art Blakey and Wes Montgomery. Folks fail to realize the jazz component. That's not even the tip of the influence. FOREVER 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@blablablugh]

I call em "Clickity Clacks", but, ya, flipped the drum stick over to the fat part, then chopping at the snare rim (ex.RHCP Under the bridge) is just an awesome musical expression. Those crispy ass hi-hats are sweet, too!

[@NoCanDu]

The drumming in this in anything but “subtle!” It’s classic Copeland, but right out front. My hero for decades, man.

[@THEDEEPDIVE]

That song is fire. Lot of artists that came out of the UK punk scene got into reggae.ska which lead to the ska punk subgenre. You guys should check out The Clash's reggae/ska influenced tunes. This is Radio Clash, Magnificent Seven, Revolution Rock, One More Time. That was some of the best stuff they ever did.

[@gerardodoherty9178]

Personally, I really like Armagideon Time.

[@melrupinski88]

FWIW, I’ve always been partial to Rudie Can’t Fail and their cover of Pressure Drop.

[@THEDEEPDIVE]

@@melrupinski88 love Rudie can't fail

[@AzamuggOG]

Finally someone hip to their natural Ska beginnings

[@tdkdgh]

Each member of the police is a unique and superb musician. This song was incredible live. The drums.........

[@Jcruzer70]

Driven To Tears, Voices Inside My Head and Darkness are phenomenal Police songs. The first two having monster drum parts.

[@sarablack2547]

uk here.i had most of my teens in the 80's so grew up with the police.i love the regae.they had a unique sound that i like.

[@shanadellos6034]

Walking On the Moon is the way he feels because he's in love.

[@mikhailasuncomfortableconv7345]

If you listen to the intro on the song The Real Thing by Faith No More, you can clearly hear that their drummer Mike Bordin lifted this ( very slick drum rhythm using the muted rimshot ) from this very song. And since there was an interview with Bordin where he listed Stuart Copeland as 1 of his drum influences, it makes perfect sense now.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

The Police were in the conversation about THE best band for several years. Try “Spirits In the Material World “!🖖🏼

[@robertlear2712]

I saw Sting perform this song in concert on Oct 7, 2023 at the Hollywood Bowl. Perfect concert.

[@janewatkins9801]

Fabulous stuff. Thanks so much for this ☺. 'So Lonely', 'Everything She Does is Magic', 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Can't Stand Losin You' are also fab tracks.

[@kramerbassplayer]

Thus song blew me away back in the day

[@wvmtneerwv]

For a couple years, there was no bigger band on planet Earth than The Police. Long live The Police! Almost everything they did was magic.

[@psterud]

The reggae and ska sound was really popular back then, and The Police used it a lot early on. I hope at some point you guys can listen to an English Beat (known in England as just The Beat) song or two. Mirror in the Bathroom was a popular one by them, for instance. Sting was known to wear an English Beat t-shirt during concerts.

[@user-zp4ge3yp2o]

Ah mirror in the bathroom is a classic!

[@orbitaljunkie]

Glad you guys dug this one! I grew up with their albums playing all the time in our house. Them and Genesis. Feel like you'd probably dig Driven to Tears off the Zenyatta Mondatta album, but there are a dozen other songs I could recommend.

[@aitornavarro6597]

Need to react to their songs "Driven To Tears" and "The Bed Is Too Big Without You"

[@footnotedrummer]

This is my favorite Police tune. I love the concept of the song lyrically, but musically... it's just a masterpiece. The lyrics are based on feeling lighter than air when you're with someone you're enamored with.

[@oliviaonthego]

I think you guys nailed the vibe of this song. Nice work 👏 👌 👍

[@SoOutrageous]

Stewart is one of the finest percussionists of our time. Their catalogue is deep.

[@fractaljack210]

It was the days of Ska, so we didn't blink with this riff.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

Sting "FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART" ('Option Two' video is best quality). This song is INCREDIBLE 🔥🔥🔥

[@echopryme]

UNTOUCHABLE. 💯😎

[@rosswoodland6449]

The grove and feal from The Police were such a trend setting thing back when this came out. gave way for so many artists. That's whats so cool with this band, they pay homage to all the different sounds of their time.

[@MontecristotoValjean]

Stewart Copeland is a Master and Andy Summers' guitar riffs on this one are amazing + Sting's voice and Bass = Magic

[@PJ_2761]

Catchy as he'll, as you found out, saw them live in 1980 I believe, my favorite tune they played was , demolition man , super cool song .

[@strungth666]

the rimshot/wood block sound is what you are hearing. he is laying the stick with his hand flat against the snare head so you just hear the stick knock the edge of the snare. Copeland is a god!🤘🤘

[@Squiggles95]

Stuart Copeland is one of the most underrated drummers of all time. He's amazing. He also made the soundtrack for the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy of games on the original PlayStation.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

His soundtrack to Rumble Fish was pretty badass as well..

[@ivanjulian2532]

You do realise the term "most underrated" actually makes no sense? Stewart Copeland is underrated by precisely ZERO people who know anything about music at all.

[@Squiggles95]

@@ivanjulian2532 I’m talking about the average listener who might know a few names like Neil Peart or Keith Moon or whatever. Not everyone can be a music expert like you.

[@Squiggles95]

@@ivanjulian2532 so now you’re a music and English expert. Your parents must be so proud. Get a life.

[@ivanjulian2532]

@@Squiggles95underrated means "not valued highly enough". How can anything be the "most not valued highly enough?"

[@bblluuddwwuullff3379]

The police were an instant favorite of mine back in ‘83. If you like a chilled out song to zone to by The Police, you will definitely enjoy Tea In The Sahara off their Synchronicity album.

[@chriscrim751]

Excellent! Yall know this is fire...the Police are so eclectic, you never know what direction they're going from one song to the next, and that's what keeps them interesting!

[@shootermav11]

Drummer ..... Stu Copeland; master of the high hat and rim shots!

[@kevinpauley-dadbodstyle2935]

Progressive punk is how I've seen The Police described, and I find that pretty accurate! You get from the same three guys songs like this, but then you get Omegaman, Man in a Suitcase, Synchronicity II, Wrapped Around Your Finger, So Lonely, King of Pain, Once Upon a Daydream and Every Breath You Take from them as well! They had a brilliant discography that literally had something for everyone! My favorite band of all time, tied only with Steely Dan, as both offer so much to the listener in terms of music, lyrics and production!

[@kevlarV2rocketRSV]

Stewart Copeland is the greatest drummer ever!! He's the only percussionist that I actually FEEL playing. He absolutely moves my soul.

[@johnfaram4684]

three brilliant musicians, one brilliant singer/songwriter-sting !!

[@PauTay942]

its like i am so happy i am 'walking on air.' you found the person who does it for you and you are so happy. imo.

[@coryharness1460]

It’s so funny or cool that, a song that me and my peeps laugh at, can be listened to in such a different way when listening to it with you guys!

[@ShadowhandofDune]

One of the headbangingest riffs is in "Driven To Tears" when they bring it back after the bridge.

[@missingmonk4601]

One of the greatest drummers. like a nerdy well behaved Keith Moon, playing what he wanted. Bring on the night by this band, you should do next

[@25svbn]

I remember this song when it came out. I always considered it a love song. Still do.

[@joelassiter7983]

The reggae influence is because of Copeland. One of the best to ever do it.......

[@AzamuggOG]

They started as a Ska band

[@kJ922-h3j]

@@AzamuggOGI thought they started as a punk band? But then the Clash had a lot of reggae influence too…so it easily could’ve been Sting too

[@wincup]

The super band that introduced me to the charm of a three-member group first time in my life.

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

Stewart Copeland is a genius, Sting is a God and Andy is terribly underrated. Have you two heard "Message in a Bottle"?? If not - you must. One of their best.

[@deedeeduncan9347]

One of the best 3 person Bands EVER.... The Drummer is magnificent

[@xebio6]

I agree on the progressive aspect of this and other tunes by these guys.

[@shawnk7832]

Dammit. When Sting's voice comes in. Reminder... Sting is the bassist and composer and vocalist. This is too 🔥

[@commonman317]

"Driven To Tears" from Zenyatta Mondatta is one of their all-time great songs.

[@SnowDogisVictorious]

"Sounds a little progressive." Interestingly, the Police had a significant influence on Rush during this period (which one can hear in certain songs on Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals (in production from 1979-1982). Drummers Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart would become close friends in the proceeding years as well.

[@SnowDogisVictorious]

Examples include: - Vital Signs - Digital Man - New World Man - Spirit of Radio - Distant Early Warning

[@russellfernandes9607]

Your music knowledge is incredible !!

[@Natasha-px2gw]

Sting is such an amazing bassist and singer, I just love their vibe. And Sting is hot af too🥰

[@davidmel2158]

Neil Peart of RUSH once said Stewart was one of his favorite drummers.

[@MelonMcGee]

It's a good driving song, watching the world go by.

[@patrickholt2270]

This is what I had playing in my head walking a mile to the bus stop to go to my first secondary school, and all day in school, and trudging back up that hill after the bus back. It's so evocative of that and because of the theme of feeling removed from the world and wanting to be somewhere more elevated and effortless.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

There were a lot of Prog-Ska/Pop-Reggae bands coming out of UK and US at that time, like Madness (OUR HOUSE, or ONE STEP BEYOND).

[@mattjohn4731]

They were my fav as a kid. I bought all 5 Police albums and Stewart Copeland's Rumblefish soundtrack. '83 film by Francis Ford Copolla

[@vernshumway5939]

One of my favorite Police songs.